Hi.. I did a search on AOL for "fasting" and it brought me here to a bunch of threads where people were talking about whether or not to do fasting for weight loss and I wanted to give my personal opinion on the subject but couldn't find a main "fasting for weight loss thread" to post to as each post on the subject was scattered all around the whole site. Anyhow, there were some strong opinions on each side.. some wanted to fast for weight loss because of whatever reason, and many were against it saying it was either unhealthy or not going to give any lasting results.

I wanted to chime in if I could, having some expierence on the subject and say that I agree with both sides to an extent. I started off with 160+ pounds to lose.. and I kick started my journey with a 13 day organic juice fast. I lost somewhere around 20 pounds or so which yes, it was mostly water weight, but it was still a good start for me. I then followed up with a healthy eating program right afterwards. But the most important thing I want to point out is there was something that I DID get out of fasting that I didn't expect --- it was discipline. This discipline I learned during fasting has played such a HUGE part in my weight loss success from that point on. Though fasting alone hasn't gotten me very far in my weight loss, what I have gained from the whole expierence has been "golden" as far as I'm concerned and it has carried me such a long long way. I learned that I CAN say NO to foods and CAN take total control over my eating habits. This is something I never had before in all my years prior. I've been 310+ pounds most of my adult life and never thought there was really anything I could do about my food obsession because I've tried everything it seems like, and failed countless times. Fasting was the one thing that taught me something no other "diet" plan did. It taught me that all along I was in control, and could actually do something about my weight afterall. It taught me I can take charge of my choices and I was truly the BOSS of food, not the other way around. This discipline that I've learned has been lasting too.. not just something that came and went. Since I began my weight loss journey, I've lost close to 100 pounds now. So yes, I was able to keep my "fasting" weight off. I've also fasted another time during this past year (for about 1 week) and managed to keep that weight off just fine too. However, my main point is that there is more we can get out of fasting than just "weight loss".. .. what I got out of it, has truly changed my life. Mainly being the discipline I've learned.

You are very right about the control thing - though you dont need to starve yourself to get that

Im not a fan of fasting because although fasting for a few days or a liquid diet for a week may not be such a bad thing, people always get the stupid idea that they can do it forever.
ie 'If i lost 20lb doing this for a couple weeks then i could loose 200lb in a couple months! wooo fast weight loss!'

I think with motivation and control you have to get into your groove, realize you're in control.

Yeah, I don't think fasting is good for the long haul.. I was just trying to point out a few good things that I've found while trying. I was doing an organic juice fast so I wasn't starving, but it still wasn't the same as eating. hehe. I was also taking whole food vitamin and mineral supplements and calcium and stuff too. But I know there are people that fast for much longer and take nothing but water.

Argument this Argument that. Here is a fact. I am a muslim and during the Fasting Ramadan month I gain tooo much weight, all my friends do as well. I think fasting isnt the right thing. Well it depends what u exactly mean. I usually stop eating after 6 if thats fasting?

I guess that would depend on what your eating at other times during the day if your only fasting from 6 o'clock on. Some people fast (drinking nothing but water or juice or whatever they decide to allow themselves) for several days at a time.. sometimes up to 40 or more depending on the type of fast they are doing. Peolpe also fast for different reasons, not just weight loss or spiritual reasons.. so it really depends on the individual and the type of fast and the purpose behind it all before anyone could judge whether or not it is a good idea. But in my opinion, fasting for weight loss without a good follow up plan for healthy eating to maintain that weight loss is pretty much pointless.

I'm glad that you spoke up about getting something positive from fasting. I'm 9 weeks into a long term, liquid fast and it's been working wonderfully for me. I did it less for fast weight loss, and more for the total break from real food and "no choice" factor. I felt that I had no control over food before I started, and like MyBabyE have found out that I do have discipline and control over what I eat.

I do believe this is too hardcore of a diet to handle without medical supervision. Also it's important you follow the diet strictly so as not to take chances with your health, take your supplements etc. I know it's a controversial method of dieting, but I think fasting in general (short or long term) would help one to get a fresh start with food.

and is your body falling apart from lacking particular things like proteins, calcium etc ?

if not, dont worry - it will happen soon enough

No actually I'm doing just fine and thanks for showing concern. I am on a protein-sparing modified fast, so getting enough protein and calcium per day is not a problem. I also visit the doctor weekly and have been assured that nothing is falling apart.

hi was just wondering if you could tell me what diet you are actually on, i know liquid diets can be frowned on but i am seriously concidering something like that as a kick start to get me going but i dont want to risk my health in the process

Hi icebunny. :-) I am working with San Francisco Weight Management (Weight Management Program) program. It's not a commercial diet center, like weight watchers or jenny craig. It's actually a clinic that helps people lose weight safely and quickly for health reasons. They're geared to help those wanting to lose pounds before a surgery, or to better existing health conditions like sleep apnea, diabetes, etc. If you don't have existing medical conditions or are not very overweight you may be turned down.

You should be able to find a similar program in your area. I'd check with the hospitals and clinics first and maybe ask for a referral for a medically supervised weight loss program. Review many programs before you choose. Costs are very high unless you can get something covered by insurance. This is MUCH more expensive than commercial programs.

All programs work differently, but be assured this is a modified FAST. If you don't think you can give up regular food for a while, then this program will not work for you.